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Paul Luna Honored at YWCA 2013 Tribute to Leadership Gala

Posted on: March 1, 2013

On Saturday, February 23rd, YWCA Maricopa County celebrated its 20th annual Tribute to Leadership event. Tribute to Leadership is the YW’s largest fundraising event of the year, providing essential services to seniors, home-delivered meals to impoverished elderly and disabled adults, financial education to women and families, and essential awareness programs to eliminate discrimination and promote gender equity.

The eleven individuals honored have all made substantial contributions to eliminating discrimination, empowering women, and serving as champions to their community. For the first time in YWCA history, Tribute to Leadership honored not only women, but also men, including Helios Education Foundation President and CEO, Paul Luna.

Luna is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of Helios Education Foundation, cultivating strong community relationships and initiating strategic partnerships in Arizona and Florida for the growing organization. Prior to his role at Helios, Luna served as President of Valley of the Sun United Way, where he led a community-wide fundraising effort approaching $50 million.

Luna has spent his career promoting, mentoring, and advocating on behalf of women within the organizations he has led and the partnerships he has cultivated. At United Way, he was integral in the creation of a unique program called DV STOP, domestic violence safe temporary overflow program, which ensured women fleeing violence found safety even when the shelters were full. He has been involved with Chrysalis Domestic Violence Shelter over the years, and has been recognized by the organization for his efforts to empower women and get them on the road to independence.

“It is an honor to be able to celebrate such exceptional individuals,” said Dana Campbell Saylor, CEO of YWCA Maricopa County. “They have truly made incredible contributions to our community as well as extended their hearts through their passion and commitment.”